January 2024 Reading List

I have committed to reading 150 books in 2024. I managed to read 13 in January – I need to up my game a little if I am going to reach my goal and so I am going to be watching less TV and spending more time reading and knitting or crocheting and listening as I am walking, sewing, cooking, cleaning, etc. This is NOT a hardship, when you read either fiction or non-fiction, you learn SO much about life, lifestyle, solving problems and growing and understanding as a person. We live in a VERY dualistic world – more and more people believe and think in extremes – reading helps us become more non-dualistic…
In contrast to dualistic thinking, nondualistic thinking resists a simple definition. It sees subtleties, exceptions, mystery, and a bigger picture. Nondualistic thinking refers to a broader, dynamic, imaginative, and more mature contemplation of perceived events (Rohr, 2009)

So, find some time to read (or listen to books) …it will change your life.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Every woman should read this book, it is the story of oppression and rising above and opens a window into Chinese culture in the 1400’s. Sometimes, I wonder how much “women’s health” has improved since then. The discussion of herbs and natural treatments is definitely a nod to the naturopathic medical field.

The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal
A story of friendship and adversity and love – this was a fun read. I loved the characters and I am a very big fan of Barbara O’Neal and will seek out other of her books.

The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
This book is a commentary on Alfred Adler’s Individual Pshychology with an updated approach that talks about finding joy through the freedom of not worrying about what others’ think of you. It is really about becoming your best and truest self. It has inspired me to read a more “text book” style book about Alfred Adler.

You Didn’t Deserve It, But You Have to Heal from It: A Self-love Journey by LM Martens
This is a self published story of the author’s journey out of an abusive relationship. It is a story of survival and a clear message that healing is a process, grief is not a straight line and moving forward is work.

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase
This is the remarkable story of a young woman recognizing that she was part of a cult and finding a way to move forward with dignity and honesty. She has a healthy marriage, children and even manages to maintain a relationship with her siblings and parents. There are so many examples of healthy boundaries in this book, it is truly inspiring.

Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie
A story of friendship across decades, the culture and family that have such a strong influence on their lives and how differences come between us and force us to confront the truth about our relationships.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
A little Mi’kmaq girl, stolen, lives her life as a lie. How does this trauma get resolved? From Nova Scotia to Maine, this is a story of love finding its way home.

100 Quotes That Will Change Your Life by Library Mindset
Just a list of inspiring and beautiful quotes that you can send to encourage people and write in letters and cards.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
A step-mother and step-daughter finding their way to a healthy relationship as they search for the truth about their husband and father’s disappearance.

Happy Place by Emily Henry
This is just an easy read (or listen) and very typical of this author. If you just want to relax and read a book, pick up this one. It has its ups and downs and it allows you a glimpse into modern relationships between 20 and 30 somethings.

The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation by Richard Rohr, Mike Morrell, William Paul Young
This book breaches the mystery of the Trinity and makes it real – it allows us to understand the circular nature of the relationships in the Trinity. As usual with Rohr, he challenges the dualistic thinking of religious leaders and churches.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
This is the story of managing the plague in the 1600s – a strong story of female leadership and rising above challenge. These stories of women in times when they were so pushed down and treated barely as citizens are so inspiring and continue to remind us of how far we have come, and not come in our fight for equality.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Do you want to write? Read this book! It will inspire you, challenge you and make you think about life and how you can become a better version of yourself.